ceiling. and then we need to get to the longer-term issues in terms of where america is going, and that starts with tax reform as well as immigration issues and infrastructure issues. >> i hear the same message from business people across the country. we need more certainty from washington if we're going to kick start growth in this economy. is washington helping or hindering in a bid to bring unemployment down in the country? >> being the optimist that i am, i say washington is attempting to help. what was passed at the end of the calendar year was a good first start. but there's a lot more that needs to be done. they are helping. if we can get past some of the partisanship and get into citizenship, we can move along a lot more quickly. businesses are frustrated. >> what are the bigger things you mentioned, the things america needs to do to stay competitive in this challenging economic environment domestically and globally? >> absolutely. first, you've got to get through the fiscal issues. ba